Discipleship 101 - This Won't Be Easy

Living Hope Presbyterian Church

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Matthew 10

Matthew 10: 5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’ 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers, cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunics or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

ESV: The Holy Bible, English Standard Version ©2011 Crossway Bibles, a division of Good News Publishers. All rights reserved.

Sermon Summary: The sermon delves into Matthew 10, focusing on Jesus sending out the twelve apostles with specific instructions on discipleship. Jesus emphasizes the importance of going to the lost sheep of Israel, proclaiming the kingdom of heaven, and demonstrating His authority through miracles. The sermon highlights the themes of obedience, caution, and endurance in the face of opposition and challenges. It underscores the need for disciples to be wise yet innocent, to beware of potential dangers, and to endure faithfully until the end.

Key Points:

• Jesus demonstrates His authority through various miracles, showcasing His identity as the Messiah and calling people to follow Him.
• Disciples are instructed to go to the lost sheep of Israel, proclaim the kingdom of heaven, and perform miracles without seeking material gain.
• The disciples are warned of the challenges they will face, including persecution, hatred, and betrayal, but are encouraged to endure to the end.

Bible Verses Mentioned:

• Matthew 10:5-23

Humor and Anecdotes:

• No specific humor or anecdotes were shared in the sermon.

Key Quotes:

• “The one who endures to the end will be saved.”
• “There is always more to do. There are more towns to reach. There are more nations to bring the gospel to.”

Themes:

• Authority of Jesus: Demonstrated through miracles and teachings, emphasizing His role as the Messiah.
• Discipleship: Involves obedience, proclamation of the gospel, and endurance in the face of challenges.
• Warning and Caution: Disciples are urged to be wise, innocent, and aware of potential dangers in their mission.

Discussion Questions:

1. How can we apply the principles of being wise as serpents and innocent as doves in our daily interactions with others?
2. In what ways can we endure faithfully in our Christian walk despite facing opposition or challenges?
3. Reflecting on the concept of going to the lost sheep, how can we effectively reach out to those who have not yet heard the gospel message?

Metaphors and Stories:

• Sheep among wolves: Illustrates the vulnerability and need for caution in spreading the gospel.
• Wise as serpents, innocent as doves: Encourages a balance between discernment and purity in discipleship.

This sermon emphasizes the core aspects of discipleship, urging believers to follow Jesus faithfully, be prepared for opposition, and persevere in their journey of faith until the end.